A 70-year-old man on ICU is receiving palliative care following a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. He develops noisy respiratory secret...

Question

A 70-year-old man on ICU is receiving palliative care following a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. He develops noisy respiratory secretions ('death rattle'). What is the most appropriate pharmacological management?

Accepted Answer

Subcutaneous glycopyrronium 200 mcg PRN (or hyoscine butylbromide 20 mg) to reduce secretion production

Answer

Deep tracheal suctioning every 30 minutes

Answer

IV frusemide 80 mg to reduce pulmonary oedema

Answer

Nebulised salbutamol 5 mg

Answer

Increase the IV fluid rate to thin the secretions

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): End of Life - Symptom Management

A 70-year-old man on ICU is receiving palliative care following a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. He develops noisy respiratory secretions ('death rattle'). What is the most appropriate pharmacological management?